General view from outside of West Ham United stadium, the London Stadium.

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Sources: West Ham in advanced talks to agree Nils Koppen deal with work permit hearing today

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Published on:

26 Jun 2026, 9:16 am

West Ham United are in advanced talks to appoint ex-Rangers man Nils Koppen as their new transfer guru, sources have told Football Insider.

The 39-year-old, currently at Copenhagen's head of recruitment and scouting, has been offered the role of director of recruitment at the London Stadium.

Sources understand that Koppen is eager to accept the role, which is dependent upon him securing a work permit.

Sources say he will attend a work permit hearing on Friday, 26th June, as West Ham look to get the go-ahead to put the finishing touches to the deal.

During his time at Ibrox, he began as the head of scouting before being appointed as the technical director, having joined from PSV Eindhoven.

He had similar roles in the Netherlands, helping him to make a name across Europe, and a move to England would be his first in the country.

Rangers fans were impressed by Koppen's early transfer business, although many felt that his promotion within Ibrox came far too early.

What happened to West Ham's last recruitment gurus?

West Ham have had mixed success with their recruitment in recent years, with the likes of ex-sporting director Tim Steidten and former recruitment chief Rob Newman being heavily criticised for some of the signings.

Steidten left the club in February 2025 after supporters were left angered by deals that backfired included Luis Guilherme and Niclas Fullkrug.

Newman had departed at the end of the previous season at the same time as former manager David Moyes.

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Which players did Nils Koppen help bring to Rangers?

Having brought a whole new recruitment model to Ibrox, supporters were instantly supportive of the Dutchman, who went on to make several exciting deals.

Connor Barron, Hamza Igamane, Vaclav Cerny and Neraysho Kasanwirjo were all examples of successful deals, with the second player even earning the club a decent profit.

Mohamed Diomande, who continues to shine in midfield, also arrived in Scotland during Koppen's time at the club, though it remains to be seen how big a role he played in this transfer.

Koppen appears to be bringing with him a wealth of knowledge, some very useful connections, and hope of West Ham agreeing some much-needed deals in the Championship ahead of next season.

Hamza Igamane